The International
Basketball Academy
The International Basketball Academy empowers ambitious student-athletes to pursue Top-class degrees while developing their basketball careers through elite coaching, global competition, and life-changing cultural experiences.
Introducing the International Basketball Academy Education
At the International Basketball Academy, we pride ourselves on offering student-athletes a truly unique dual pathway, combining a full-time professional basketball programme with exceptional higher education. We partner with two fantastic and distinctly different universities to suit every lifestyle and academic ambition: One University is in the North of England known for its welcoming people, fantastic social scene and a 10-minute drive from the beautiful Northumberland coast.
Our second University in the south of England and is situated in a quieter, scenic small town known for its historic city centre and beautiful landscape. Whether you’re drawn to one of Europe’s most exciting cultural hubs, famous for its food, social scene, and friendly atmosphere, or prefer a quieter, picturesque environment, we ensure you’ll find the perfect setting to thrive both on and off the court.
Professional Coaching Meets International Competition
No matter which university you choose, the basketball experience remains the same across both institutions. Student-athletes benefit from professional coaching delivered by highly experienced staff, dedicated strength and conditioning programmes, and full access to physiotherapy support. Competition is at the heart of the Academy, with players representing their universities in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) while also testing themselves in showcase games against professional and semi-professional teams.
On top of that, our annual European Tour offers the chance to compete against top academies, showcase skills in front of scouts and clubs, and experience new cultures, making the Academy experience truly global and unforgettable
Why Choose the IBA in England?
World-Class Coaching
Our staff bring over 60 years of combined playing and coaching experience at the professional and international level across six continents.
No NCAA Restrictions
No restrictions on playing or coaching, maximising your development.
Accelerated Degrees
Earn an internationally recognised undergraduate degree in just 3 years (vs. the typical 4) or complete a Master’s in 1 year (vs. the typical 2).
Academic Flexibility
Choose from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while competing in our full-time basketball programme.
Elite Competition
Play over 25 games per season against top university, academy, and professional-level opposition.
European Tour
Travel annually to a major European city to compete against academies, semi-professional and professional teams, gaining exposure to scouts, coaches, and clubs.
Unrivalled Pathways
Benefit from easy access to major European basketball markets, cities, and professional opportunities.
Holistic Development
Graduate as a stronger player, a more complete person, and with endless opportunities to pursue your basketball and career ambitions.
Financial Aid
Utilise your US Financial Aid in our partnered Universities.
Sporting Facilities
4x basketball courts, 3,000 seat capacity arena, swimming pool, sauna & steam room for recovery, strength and conditioning suite for all IBA athletes.
Our Coaches
Chris Bunten
Director of IBA
Chris has been a leading figure in British basketball since 2007, with a career spanning junior, university, professional, and international levels. He first made his mark coaching Junior National League teams to Final Four appearances before guiding Northumbria University to two national championships, establishing them as one of the top university programs in the UK. In the professional game, Chris made history with the Newcastle Eagles in the Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL), leading the franchise to its first-ever national championship title at the O2 Arena and their highest league finish as runners-up in the 2015–16 season—achievements that reflect his ability to inspire athletes and build winning cultures.
Internationally, Chris has proudly served British basketball in a variety of roles. He began as a strength and conditioning coach for England’s U14 and U15 men’s teams before transitioning to the women’s pathway, working with the Great Britain U18 and U20 women’s squads at multiple European Championships. His international résumé includes a career highlight as assistant coach for the England women’s national team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, where the team won a historic silver medal. With nearly two decades of experience in elite sport and higher education, Chris understands the demands of balancing academics with athletics. His vision for the International Basketball Academy is to combine his deep basketball knowledge and passion for education to help student-athletes excel on the court, earn degrees, and prepare for life beyond the game.
Will Neighbour
Head Coach North
Will serves as the Lead Coach North at the International Basketball Academy, bringing a remarkable two decades of international playing and coaching expertise. His extensive career spans playing NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and representing Great Britain at both U20 and senior levels, followed by a distinguished professional career competing across six countries. This diverse background equips him with a unique perspective on the global game, enabling him to connect with and adapt his coaching methods for athletes from all backgrounds and to instill professionalism, discipline, and resilience in his players.
Having transitioned successfully from professional play, Neighbour has held significant head coaching positions at institutions including the University of East London, Newcastle College, and Newcastle University. At the International Basketball Academy, he harnesses his vast experience to cultivate a world-class environment, focusing not only on athletic development but also on preparing young players for success in life beyond the sport. His passion for mentorship and a proven track record make him an invaluable asset to the Academy’s mission of developing well-rounded leaders on and off the court.
Jay Marriott
Head Coach South
Jay has built an impressive career in basketball as both a professional player and coach. After a successful college career in California, he spent ten years competing professionally across Europe and Asia, earning a reputation for his leadership, adaptability, and on-court performance. His transition into coaching was seamless, and over the past 14 years he has gained extensive experience across multiple levels of the game, from professional basketball in the UK to high school and college programs in Utah, as well as international roles in the Middle East. He is also the founder of the Gloucester City Kings, a UK-based club dedicated to creating opportunities for aspiring players.
In addition to his coaching career, Jay has contributed greatly to the wider growth of British basketball. He has worked as both a commentator and podcast host for the country’s top professional league, helping to raise the profile of the sport. With his blend of professional playing experience, international coaching expertise, and passion for player development, Jay brings invaluable insight and leadership to the International Basketball Academy. His commitment to inspiring and mentoring the next generation makes him a respected figure within the basketball community and a role model for young athletes.
Elvisi Dusha
Lead Coach South
Elvisi brings over 13 years of professional playing experience to the International Basketball Academy, where he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. A highly respected Albanian International, Dusha has represented his country with pride while establishing himself as one of the premier playmakers in the British Basketball League. His consistency and leadership on the court have earned him a place among the top five all-time leaders in assists in the UK’s top professional league – a testament to his vision, creativity, and commitment to elevating those around him.
In recent years, Dusha has successfully transitioned into coaching, building on his wealth of playing experience to mentor and develop aspiring athletes. He has worked with several leading universities, bringing professional-level insight to the student-athlete environment. Alongside his university work, he founded V12 Elite, an individual development company dedicated to advancing player skills and performance. His coaching journey has recently seen him take on the role of Head Coach of the prestigious Future Stars program, where he continues to shape talented prospects with his trademark professionalism, passion, and knowledge of the game. Dusha’s dual career as both a professional athlete and coach reflects his commitment to basketball excellence and to creating opportunities for others to succeed.
IBA UK Camps
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever International Basketball Academy Camp.
This intensive two-day camp is designed for 16-19 year olds, male and female, who are aspiring and talented basketball players who are ready to work hard, sharpen their fundamental skills, and expand their knowledge of the game in a high-performance environment.
In addition to elite coaching and player development, this camp marks the first stage of the selection process for the IBA Team South squad. Selected players will earn the opportunity to represent the Academy on an unforgettable trip to the USA, competing in an AAU tournament against other top prospects. This experience will not only test athletes against elite competition but also provide the chance to be seen by NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO coaches – with the ultimate goal of securing a college basketball scholarship.
Venue & Location
Oxstalls Sports Park, Gloucester
Time/Date:
Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Registration
Registration Costs £52.50 per athlete – Get signed up today!
Mission & Values
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically by providing a professional environment where they can pursue top-degree classifications while advancing their basketball skills.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be the leading international basketball academy that champions a dual-career pathway for student-athletes.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’ve got a question about our programs, want to chat with one of our coaches, or simply need more info — drop us a message and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.